- Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the operations also led to the recovery of six firearms
- Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is currently being investigated for armed robbery
- He noted that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries
The Nigeria Police Force has recorded a major breakthrough in its nationwide crime-fighting operations with the arrest of 22 suspects, including a fleeing inmate from a correctional facility, over a range of serious criminal offences.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the arrests were carried out by operatives of the Force’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) across several states following intelligence-driven operations targeting armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, car theft, drug trafficking, impersonation and economic sabotage.
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In a statement released on Thursday, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the operations also led to the recovery of six firearms. These included an LAR rifle, AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, a pump-action gun, an SMG rifle, as well as live ammunition.
In addition, no fewer than 45 other exhibits such as vehicles, motorcycles, illicit substances and other items believed to be linked to criminal activities were seized.
Hundeyin explained that one of the major operations took place along the Kaduna–Abuja Expressway, where STS operatives intercepted a J5 vehicle transporting 13 brand-new motorcycles alongside weapons and other suspicious items.
Further investigations led to the arrest of a 35-year-old suspect, Luke Ifeanyi, who is currently being investigated for armed robbery and economic sabotage.
In the Federal Capital Territory, police operatives also apprehended Ayo Abiodun, an escapee from the Kuje Custodial Centre, who is suspected to have carried out a violent robbery attack on a serving officer of the Nigerian Army.
The police spokesperson further revealed that a 40-year-old suspect, Yusuf Shehu, was arrested in possession of a stolen tricycle. Investigations showed that Shehu had been impersonating a police officer, with a police mobile uniform and fake identity card recovered from him.
Elsewhere, operatives in Edo State arrested four suspects for unlawful possession of prohibited firearms and for allegedly carrying out violent attacks on a community. In Lagos and Ogun states, two members of a car-snatching syndicate were also taken into custody.
Hundeyin added that in Nasarawa State and neighbouring areas, 12 suspects linked to banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling were arrested, with several firearms recovered during the coordinated operations.
He noted that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be charged to court upon the conclusion of inquiries.
Commending the operatives, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks and called on members of the public to continue providing useful information to aid security efforts nationwide.
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